Archive for February 2023Cool Running in VenicePosted February 26, 2023 11:43 AMUnless you live in Death Valley, you really don't hear much any more about cars overheating. That's because cooling systems in vehicles have been much improved. That doesn't mean you can't overheat your vehicle engine, though. Without proper preventive maintenance, you could still find yourself on the side of the road in Venice waiting for your vehicle engine to cool down. Car Doc On The Island Suspension Service in Venice at Car Doc On The IslandPosted February 19, 2023 10:02 AMWhen they hear the word suspension, many drivers in Venice may think back to those energetic days of grade school. Well, your vehicle's suspension is actually a good thing because it keeps your vehicle up off the road and helps provide a comfy ride around Venice. Its job is to keep your wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves. Your suspension system has many parts. If you look under your vehicle, it's basically everything that connects your wheels to the vehicle's frame. These are heavy duty parts that do a lot of work. They need to be inspected for damage and excessive wear at least once a year. A good time for this is when you get your annual alignment service at Car Doc On The Island.
Basically, you just don't feel in control when you're driving. Car Doc On The Island Got it Covered! (Timing Cover Maintenance)Posted February 12, 2023 8:42 AMYou may have heard at one time or another about something called a timing belt or timing chain in your engine. And you may know that if they fail… well, let's just say that there can be some major engine damage. So obviously, we want our timing belts and chains to be in tip-top shape. One part that helps keep them running the way they should is the timing cover. As you can probably guess, it's something that covers the belt or chain. The timing cover protects both belts and chains from dirt and road debris. Timing belts also need to be lubricated so their covers allow them to be lubricated as well. They have a gasket that insures a good seal for the engine. If that gasket breaks or develops a leak, then engine oil can escape, and loss of lubrication is never good for an engine component. Other symptoms of a failed timing cover are leaking coolant, a metallic sound coming from the front of your engine or your Check Engine light coming on. You might also notice a drop in power when you're going uphill. It's important that your timing cover be in good condition and functioning properly. Your repair facility will check out that part of your engine to make sure gaskets are in good shape and the cover is doing the job it's meant to do. Catch that leaking or broken timing cover in time and your engine will thank you for avoiding some serious damage and an expensive repair. Car Doc On The Island Oil's Well That Ends Well (Oil Change Grades and Weight)Posted February 5, 2023 10:16 AMChanging your oil regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running well. And knowing the right type of oil to use is also very important. Engine oil is classified by weight, but it doesn't refer to how much the oil would weigh if you put it on a scale. It refers to viscosity, or how easily the oil flows through the engine. Most engines operate normally at around 210°F/99°C. The viscosity, or weight, is assigned a number by how well it flows at that temperature. The lower the number, the more freely it flows. Most vehicle engines use what's called a multigrade oil which behaves differently in different temperatures. Multigrade oils have a "W" in their viscosity number that you may have seen on a bottle of oil, something like 5W30. The W stands for winter and shows how freely it flows in colder temperatures. That means a 5W30 oil will behave like a 5 weight oil in lower temperatures (less viscous or thinner) and a 30 weight oil in warmer temperatures (more viscous or thicker). That's important on a cold day because the oil needs to behave like a thinner oil when you start your engine since it need to lubricate engine components immediately to protect the metal components. Then as the engine warms up, it behaves like a thicker oil to prevent friction among those parts. Pretty neat trick, right? The type of oil you use can differ depending on what type of climate you operate your vehicle in and how your vehicle is used (carrying big loads, towing, etc.). Your owner's manual contains several different recommendations based on these factors. Your service advisor can recommend the right oil for your needs. Like Shakespeare said, "Oil's well that ends well." Car Doc On The Island | ||
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What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
Stacy was very polite and made time for my vehicle on very short notice. Andriy took his time to give my vehicle a thorough safety inspection while performing my oil change, to ensure there were no issues I was unaware of prior to my long drive back home. Desiree finalized everything at the service counter and I ensured her that I’d be returning the next time I’m in town. I’d highly recommend anyone in the city of venice or even Sarasota county to stop by the Car Doc for any services or repairs you may need. They’ll treat you like family even if you’re a first time customer!
For the last two years I needed some help with my car before I drew drove north. It was a time sensitive situation and car doc got me right in. Took great care of me and made me feel like a regular. I was very impressed